Vietnam Day Abroad 2023 brings Vietnam's image to 3 continents

On September 8th, in Hanoi, the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) held a press conference to announce the series of events for Vietnam Day Abroad 2023. This year's program will bring the image, land, and people of Vietnam to South Africa, France, and Japan.

Vietnam Overseas Day is a national promotional program organized annually since 2010 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the direction of the Prime Minister. The program consistently receives widespread participation and support from localities, businesses, agencies, organizations, international friends, and the Vietnamese community abroad.

Vietnam Overseas Day 2023 will be an opportunity to promote the image of Vietnam and its people to international friends.

KIM CHUNG

The Vietnam Day Abroad 2023 program will be organized with many meaningful and unique activities, contributing to strengthening friendly relations between countries, and promoting Vietnam to international friends on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and South Africa, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France, and Vietnam and Japan.

At the press conference, Mr. Hoang Huu Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO, and Head of the Organizing Committee, stated: "As per usual practice, the series of events for Vietnam Day abroad includes many activities across all three main areas: political , cultural, and economic."

For this year's program, the organizers have made adjustments to suit each location. The goal of the event is to convey the image of Vietnam, its people, and its rich cultural traditions while remaining dynamic and developing, to the public in South Africa – where Vietnam can strengthen cultural exchange; and Japan and France – two cultures that are more familiar to Vietnamese people.

Mr. Hoang Huu Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO, shared information about the program at a press conference on the morning of September 8th.

KIM CHUNG

The opening event of the series will take place in Pretoria, South Africa, on September 14-15, marking the first time Vietnam Day Abroad has been held in South Africa in particular and Africa in general. The program will include various activities such as: a Vietnamese cultural space, an art performance combined with a celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and a Vietnam-South Africa business forum…

Following South Africa, France and Japan will be the next destinations for the 2023 Vietnam Overseas Day events. The programs are scheduled to take place in November and December, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's establishment of diplomatic relations with these two countries.

Besides activities with political significance, Vietnam Day Abroad 2023 also organized many seminars and forums to promote the economy, trade and investment; and interactive performances and exchanges showcasing the rich cultural colors of Vietnam, most notably the Vietnamese Cultural Space with the overarching theme "Origins, Vitality and Continuity".

Also at the press conference, Ms. Nguyen Thi Yen, Director of Dong Do Performing Arts and Event Services Joint Stock Company, said that the performances in the art program in South Africa are structured around a storyline called "Colors of Vietnam ," connected through narratives spanning from north to south.

The colors of Vietnam are diverse in each region, and it's also the story of intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. The story takes people back to a day in Vietnam, from the early morning sunrise in the northern mountains to the bustling and lively atmosphere of the south.

"The program doesn't rely heavily on language but primarily uses music to express itself, which is how it helps South Africans understand and appreciate Vietnamese culture from all regions, from north to south," Ms. Yen added.

This year, the Vietnamese Cultural Space in South Africa will bring together many young artisans and cultural practitioners, offering highly interactive and experiential activities such as making lacquer paintings and Dong Ho folk paintings, sculpting clay toys, trying on and taking photos with Nguyen Dynasty costumes, and experiencing Vietnamese cuisine.

In addition, the Vietnamese Cultural Space also displays photo exhibitions on diplomatic relations, and photo exhibitions on Vietnam's heritage, land, and people, thereby portraying a friendly and culturally rich Vietnam to international friends.

With the emergence of new elements, Vietnam Day Abroad 2023 is expected to create a distinct highlight of a Vietnamese culture with a rich tradition that continues to thrive with youthful, modern vitality.

Thanhnien.vn